Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
The justice and constitutional development department has tabled the Sheriffs Amendment Bill in Parliament.
The bill was approved by cabinet for tabling in Parliament in November 2011.
The proposed legislation aims to:
• Facilitate the establishment of advisory committees to help with the appointment of sheriffs
• Regulate the appointment of acting sheriffs
• Empower the minister to appoint sheriffs and acting sheriffs in areas where no appointments were made
• Regulate allowances paid to members of the South African Board for Sheriffs
• Provide for the dissolution of the board and the appointment of an interim board
• Regulate the use of the fidelity fund for sheriffs
• Regulate the auditing of records and financial statements of the fidelity fund for sheriffs
• Regulate improper conduct by sheriffs
According to the bill’s memorandum, certain challenges in the sheriff’s profession had been identified.
The bill had been drawn up to address the challenges “in the interests of the administration of justice”.
It is also designed to transform the sheriff’s profession so as to enhance access to justice.
Entry into the sheriff’s profession is a key focus area of the bill.
Sabinet Cape Town Office
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